Internship Location: Madison WI
Organization Type: State Government
Policy Areas: Health, DEI, UW School systems/Education
Interning at the Wisconsin Capitol alongside a state representative was an eye-opening experience, offering a glimpse into the tremendous effort needed to drive real change within government. Engaging in the Wisconsin legislature honed my communication, collaboration, critical thinking, time management, and networking abilities. The diverse and brilliant team I worked with inspired me to continuously strive for improvement. Surprising was the level of compromise across party lines in Wisconsin, a state historically marked by deep divisions. Despite differences, legislators showed a remarkable willingness to unite for the betterment of their constituents. This unexpected cooperation underscored the commitment to serving the community’s needs above political disparities. This internship provided a practical application of concepts from my public policy coursework, reinforcing my understanding of how theory translates into action. The firsthand exposure to policymaking processes and witnessing the dynamics of bipartisan cooperation solidified my belief in the importance of pragmatic collaboration in governance. I would absolutely recommend this internship to others as a unique opportunity to witness concepts introduced in course work translated into real governmental actions. It was a fulfilling experience that not only complemented but also enhanced my academic knowledge, offering invaluable insights into the intricacies of effective governance.